MLG building eSports stadium in China

eSports events can already draw in huge crowds, but this will be the first time that a dedicated stadium will have been built for it.

Major League Gaming is set to build the world's first 15,000 seat dedicated eSports stadium in China.

Construction on the project has already begun and it the MLG Arena is scheduled to open in 2017. The stadium is being built in Hengqin Island near to popular gambling hot-spot, Macau and It is part of a larger development called the ‘V-Zone’. This ‘Creative Culture City’ project is an $18bn development plan which is being spearheaded by Lai Fun Holdings and eSun Holdings.

Alongside the MLG Arena, which will act as a centerpiece, the V-Zone will have an area for developers to showcase new games and gaming-themed shops and restaurants.

’This development on Hengquin Island is a true stadium and the first of its kind,’ said MLG president Mike Sepso, talking to onGamers. ’This is a massive development in one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Additionally, the China gaming market is enormous and the fastest growing on earth. The anticipated launch of the MLG Arena in 2017 will give MLG a very strong foothold in that market but also a marquis travel destination to showcase eSports at the highest level.’

The arena will be set up to broadcast its tournaments via MLG.tv as well as displaying tournaments to its live audiences. Sepso adds that the stadium will be open to fans for all 365 days of the the year.

’This is yet another step in our plan to make eSports and MLG a part of mainstream culture worldwide,’ he added.

This project in China marks MLG’s second foray into international ventures. Earlier this year, it launched its first international franchise in Brazil. Outside of China, MLG has been working on building partnerships with existing stadiums and arenas in the US.